Going Down

The new play Going Down, by Melbourne writer Michele Lee, is semi-autobiographical. She’s Asian-Australian, like her lead character Natalie. More specifically they’re Hmong-Australian, originally from Laos.

Both Michele and Natalie are seen by their audiences as more Asian than Australian. Natalie may live in hipster Melbourne and write frank books about sex and feminist ideas but people who come to see her want to hear Hmong stories. In many ways, Natalie is actually more Australian than Asian but most people see her the other way around.

This is a fascinating concept explored in a world premiere production (strangely for a play with so many Melbourne references such as Edinburgh Gardens, Werribee and Russell Street, it’s premiering in Sydney before heading south to the Malthouse). The show has a very young cast, lots of jokes and a great, light feel. Director Leticia Cáceres keeps it fast and entertaining, with a clever touch of showing social media messages on screens above the action.

Fighting prejudice and preconceptions, Natalie doubles down on writing about sexual liberation - her next book, she heralds, will be called 100 Cocks in 100 Nights. But as she seeks this pursuit, she becomes more and more selfish too.

Catherine Davies as Natalie has loads of personality. She’s instantly likeable and always believable. The other four actors, playing various parts (notably Josh Price as many of Natalie’s lovers) are all endearing. Some of the acting needs work but hopefully it will improve as the production settles in.

There are also a number of parts that add little. It’s uncertain what the purpose of a homeless woman is in terms of the narrative. But even more confusing are two drink sellers, who are part of a strange sequence when Natalie is on a sugar high. Even if part of a dream, it’s not clear what their role is, in Natalie’s imagination or more broadly.

While the jokes and some of the sex scenes are fun, they can fall flat too. The show is actually at its best in the last 15 minutes, when Natalie comes to terms with her background and finds a new direction.

Michele Lee is an obvious talent. This play could be improved - becoming more fulfilling and better developed in the middle - but is a fun evening and explores a fascinating idea.

Peter Gotting

Photographer: Brett Boardman